FILM: Soul Surfer

When you’re living in Hawaii and are raised by two ex-pro surfers the only thing on your mind is the ocean and your surfboard. Bethany Hamilton (Anna Sophie Robb) was an ordinary teenager with a dream – to follow in her parent’s footsteps and become a pro-surfer. The ocean is her home and her surfboard is her best friend. But when an ordinary day changes her life forever, suddenly the ocean becomes a distant memory and her surfboard is just a piece of furniture. But determined to beat the odds, Bethany realises that circumstance in life don’t stop your dreams, they’re part of the journey.

The Story

Based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton, Soul Surfer, lives up to its title. Taking on the critical moments before and after the ordeal within Hamilton’s autobiography, Soul Surfer endeavours to take viewers into the journey that made Bethany into the woman she is today. A life driven by the power of the ocean and the opportunities given by God, the film takes you through the high points and the low points that Bethany went through in her endeavour to live her life just as it was before she lost her arm. Not too dramatised, the film takes the viewer into a place where you can empathise with Bethany and her family, as well as rejoice as she overcomes all odds.

Casting

Anna Sophie Robb is fantastic at playing Bethany. Her lively screen presence as well as her great grasp at the authenticity of the character she portrayed made her lovable and believable on the screen. I was struck by the ease of her portrayal and was easily swayed by her performance as she led every single person in the cinema into an empathetic journey from happiness to utter joy.

Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt were magnificent in their depiction of Tom and Cheri Hamilton. Their chemistry on screen as they played the husband and wife was not over played and unbelievable, but rather perfect in their display of love for their daughter, for each other, their family and strive through personal troubles that came from the ordeal.

Lorrain Nicholson who played Alana Blanchard, Bethany’s best friend, did an incredible job supporting Robb. She and Robb were believable as best friends and she beautifully played the role as she never overshadowed or underplayed her own character’s authenticity.

Carrie Underwood who plays, Sarah Hill – Bethany’s youth leader, did an incredible job as she portrayed the role of a person who gave Bethany another opportunity when life got hard. Underwood’s representation of a very significant person in Bethany’s was brilliant and resounded to those who have had mentors of their own.

Overall thoughts…

This is a simple movie with a simple message, hence the short review. Nevertheless it is a film with a great message, great cast and a feel-good atmosphere throughout the entire film. The only thing that nagged me was those over-the-top earrings that the wardrobe department made Carrie Underwood wear throughout the film – definitely out of place if you’re going on a missions trip. But I encourage you to see this film. Bethany Hamilton lives her life in the service and to the glory of the Kingdom of God and her faith is evident throughout this film, but believe me when I say, you don’t have to believe in God to appreciate this film. It’s a breath of fresh air from a lot of the other films being released today. If ever you have any doubts on what film to watch, purchase a ticket for Soul Surfer and believe me, it’ll be worth the mystery.

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